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MUSIC LOVERS HEAD TO THE HILLS FOR
18TH ANNUAL IDYLLWILD JAZZ IN THE PINES SET FOR AUGUST 27 & 28
(Published: July 14, 2011)

Assembling a stellar line-up of jazz - traditional straight-ahead, smooth contemporary, Latin jazz, bebop, big band, blues, pop, and all nuances in between - is a daunting task for any festival. Jazz, the very nature of the word, is an enigma that conjures up different meanings to anyone asked. While jazz may be difficult to define, its origin is one of the most sought-after word origins in modern American English. What is jazz? Jazz is America's only truly indigenous music art form - it is universal, performed and listened to by people of virtually every ethnicity, religion, and attitude.

And yet, in true "melting pot" style, this year's 18th annual Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines brings together the diverse styles of America's only true indigenous music for two days of family-friendly musical excitement on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28, on the campus of the Idyllwild Arts Academy, 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549.

"Our lineup this year is one of the most diverse," says Bubba Jackson, Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines talent booker and KKJZ FM88.1 on-air personality. "We have something for every jazz taste, and the price is so reasonable. I'm thinking beautiful music for beautiful people on a beautiful weekend in the San Jacinto Mountains of California. One of my personal commitments in jazz radio is to give back to the community. The proceeds of this event will help raise scholarship money to help students at this incredible school. It is an honor to be a part of the team that believes in keeping art alive in America!"

Added Jazz Chair Marsha Lytle: "It's family fun and only a short drive away! All profits are used directly for Idyllwild Arts scholarships, both for the regular school year and the Summer Program, providing an opportunity to learn or polish skills in a variety of arts disciplines, including jazz! Scholarships are based on financial need, talent, and a program's need to strengthen a particular area. Funds also are dedicated to children of single-parent families and to encourage increased multicultural diversity in the summer."

Located in southern California's San Jacinto Mountains, two hours east of Los Angeles, the Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines offers festival-goers live jazz in three outdoor venues: Holmes Amphitheatre ("Main Stage"), Stephens Recital Hall ("The Barn"), and the French Quarter, plus the festivities also include winding pathways lined with various arts and crafts booths, "Dine in the Pines" food vendors, alongside sponsor and informational booths.

Regularly priced tickets are $65.00 per day ($120.00 for both days), featuring more than 25 live performances. Children under 12 are free if accompanied by a paying adult. Gates open at 10:00 a.m., the music begins at 10:30 a.m. Free parking with shuttles running continuously between the center of town and clearly designated lots; parking on the campus is limited to VIP ticket holders and the handicapped only. Tickets are available on the website: www.idyllwildjazz.com.

There is a special Saturday night dinner on campus featuring the music of Bonne Musique Zydeco Band. A limited number of tickets are available to the "Saturday Night After Hours Jazz & Jambalaya." Tickets are $25.00 per person and include a Cajun dinner, beverage and dessert, no-host bar, and jazz jam session presented at Nelson Hall, doors open at 6:00, dinner from 6:30 to 8:00 with music until 9:00. Tickets can be purchased on the website or by calling 951-500-4090.

The festival kicks off on Friday, August 26, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at Nelson Hall on the Idyllwild Arts Campus with the Patron's Dinner Dance. "A Taste of Idyllwild" Cocktail Party hosted by Idyllwild Restaurants starts this special evening. Package levels from $250.00 to $500.00, per person, includes tickets to each day, reserved seating, preferred parking, gourmet food, fine wine, fun and music by the Idyllwild Arts Alumni Trio of Four, with a special appearance by the guest of honor Jeff Hamilton and his trio, and more.

The Festival takes place rain or shine; the artist's line-up subject to change and not in order of appearance.

FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY REASONS: The entire Festival grounds is a no smoking area except for three designated smoking areas along the paved roadway. NO audio recording devices, video cameras or filming of the event. NO coolers, picnic baskets or glass containers, alcoholic beverages, food or drink (except for unopened sealed water containers), pets (except for service dogs), chairs with backs higher than 32", sun canopies, or large sun hats are allowed. Due to the uneven terrain, flip-flops and high heels are not recommended on the Festival grounds.

Event produced by the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation, Marsha Lytle is Jazz Chair, with talent booking by Bubba Jackson, and publicity and media relations provided by Regina Davis for Davis & Associates Public Relations.